The American Library Association (ALA) is a non-profit organization promoting library education at several accredited schools in the United States and Canada. These schools include the University of Alabama, University of Arizona, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Louisiana State, to name a few.
Library science is a graduate program, including Master of Library and Information Sciences, Master of Fine Arts and doctorate degrees. Students learn how to organize bibliographies, library catalogs, and other collections, while providing the student with a knowledge and understanding of how to perform research and use all forms of information technology. Students will also learn about printing and publishing.
Most library science programs are selective, so students must be sure to meet all deadlines as posted by their school of choice. Individual schools will have their own requirements, but most library science schools will require at least a 3.0 grade-point average in previous degree programs, an acceptable score on entrance examinations, high school and previous college transcripts, and letters of recommendation, along with completed applications for admission.
There are hundreds of scholarships and grants available to students pursuing degrees in library science. Different organizations offer different scholarship and grants opportunities. These organizations include American Association of Law Libraries, American Library Association, Library and Information Technology Association, and the Association of Research Libraries. A complete listing of these scholarships and grants can be found on the Library Land Index website, or students can contact their school of choice for more options.